Senator Gerard Craughwell - speech from 19 Nov 2019

Senator Croftman Senator Croftman Thank you. Let's go here. Look, I just rise to agree with my colleagues. It strikes me that if this bill does, God help us all get through and is actually passed in the lifetime of this government. It strikes me that whoever will be in government the next time around may want to revisit this. And indeed, perhaps even if the... You might even be a part of it yourself. I might indeed, or you might be part of the opposition that wants to condemn this bill. Because in truth, anecdotally, I will say one thing for you, Minister. You're the only member of Fine Gael that has told me that you are 100% behind this bill. And that speaks volumes about this bill. I have to admire your strength and your courage in constantly coming here. But in all honesty, after the life of this government, the next government may have a very, very different view. And I think it's only right and proper, albeit that it's somewhat unusual that we would have a second look at this bill. The composition of the next government may be very different. Indeed, there was a minister from the Shannad many years ago in a Fine Gael government led by Gareth Fitzgerald. And who knows, I may be the next minister for defence sitting right beside you to support you. No more silence, Senator. No more silence, Murchie. But I do think that we do need to allow for a second look at this bill in the lifetime of the next government. So I will support my colleague, hence I'm a signatory to the amendment. Minister, since you're still the minister in this government... Exactly. I... Thank you. I'm hoping... Thank you. I'm hoping that it has been possible. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.